The intent of this chapter is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signage control and thereby to provide an attractive and effective balance between signage and the environment. This chapter shall be enforced and administered with the support of the signage regulations stated in the codes adopted by title 8, chapter 1 and 4 of this code. In any instance of conflict between these regulatory documents, the more restrictive shall apply. With this concept in mind, this chapter is adopted for the following purposes:

   A.   To authorize the uses of signs which are:

      1.   Compatible with their surroundings;

      2.   Appropriate to, and descriptive of the type of activity to which they pertain;

      3.   Balanced in the expression of the identity of individuals and of the community as a whole; and

      4.   Legible in the circumstances in which they are seen.

   B.   To preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare.

   C.   To provide a positive economic climate for the business and industry of the village by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signage and encouraging better communication with the public.

   D.   To enhance the physical appearance of the village by preserving the scenic and natural beauty of the area.

   E.   To protect the general public from damage and injury which may be caused by the faulty and uncontrolled construction and use of signs within the village.

   F.   To protect the pedestrians and motorists from damage or injury caused by the distractions, obstructions and hazards created by certain signs.

   G.   To protect the public investment in streets and highways by reducing distractions that may increase traffic accidents.

   H.   To protect the physical and mental well being of the general public by recognizing and encouraging a sense of appreciation for the visual environment.

   I.   To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses.

   J.   To encourage sound practices and lessen the objectionable effects of competition in respect to and placement of signs. (Ord. 03-1161, 3-25-2003; amd. Ord. 14-1748, 10-28-2014; Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and/or terms shall have the meanings indicated in this section:

   ANIMATED SIGN: A sign or any part thereof which, by design, changes physical position by any movement or creates the appearance of movement.

   APPROVED COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL: Any material more than one-twentieth (1/20) of an inch in thickness which burns at a rate of not more than two and one-half inches (21/2") per minute when subjected to the American Society For Testing Material (ASTM) standard test for flammability in sheets six one-hundredths inches (0.06") in thickness.

   AREA: That area enclosed by one continuous line, connecting the extreme points or edges of a sign. This area does not include the main supporting sign structure, but all other ornamental attachments, inner connecting links, etc., which are not a part of the main supports of the sign are to be included in determining sign area. The area shall be determined by drawing an imaginary square or rectangular envelope so as to completely enclose each entire symbol, word, phrase, title or name appearing on the sign as depicted in 10-10 Figure 1.

10-10 Figure 1
Sign Area

   ATTENTION GETTING DEVICE: Any pennant, flag, valance, banner, propeller, spinner, streamer, searchlight or similar device or ornamentation designed for or intended to attract attention to it for the purpose of promotion or advertising.

   AWNING: Any structure made of cloth, metal or other material attached to a building which is constructed so as to permit its being raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.

   AWNING SIGN: A sign attached to or in any way incorporated with the face or valance, or underside of the awning. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 2.

10-10 Figure 2:
Example of Awning Sign

   BANNER SIGN: Any sign intended to be hung, either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind. National flags, flags of political subdivisions and symbolic flags of any institution or business shall not be considered banners for the purposes of this definition. Examples are shown in 10-10 Figure 3.

10-10 Figure 3:
Examples of Banner Signs

   BILLBOARD: A single or double faced sign, permanently affixed to or placed upon the premises, which may have "changeable copy", which is used for the display of information not associated with the establishment located on the same premises as the sign. Such signs include walls of a building that are painted to display information that does not relate to a business or other establishment located in the building.

   BUILDING LINE: The line as established by the vertical face of the building or an extension thereof.

   BUILDING FRONTAGE: The length of the wall of a building facing a public right-of-way. For a corner lot, each face of a building that faces a public right-of-way will be considered as a building frontage. In buildings with multiple units, the building frontage for each unit shall be considered as the width of the unit from party wall to party wall at the front of the unit regardless of if the unit has street frontage; provided however, that the building frontage for corner units shall be the width of the unit from party wall to exterior wall of the building.

   BULLETIN BOARD: A manual "changeable copy sign", as defined herein, to give notice of events for public, charitable, or religious institutions. Examples are shown in 10-10 Figure 4 and 10-10 Figure 5.

10-10 Figure 4:
Example of Bulletin Board (mounted to building)

10-10 Figure 5:
Example of Bulletin Board (freestanding)

   CANOPY: A structure, other than an awning, made of cloth, metal or other material with frames attached to a building or carried by a frame supported by the ground or sidewalks. A canopy will be considered a sign when it contains advertising other than the business logo.

   CANOPY SIGN: A sign attached to or in any way incorporated with the face or underside of a canopy or any other similar building projection. See also definition of Shingle Sign.

   CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign upon which letters, words or characters can separately be placed and replaced in or upon the surface area, either manually or electronically, for the purpose of changing the information contained on the sign.

   DIRECTORY SIGN: A sign upon which the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building is given. This shall include office buildings and church directories.

   ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL: The zoning officer of the village as defined in Section 10-2-1 of this title.

   EXTERIOR WALL SURFACE: The most exterior part of a wall, sunscreen or any screening or material covering a building.

   FESTOON LIGHTING: A group of two (2) or more incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead, not on a building or structure, which are visible to persons on a public right of way or which are not shaded or hooded so as to prevent the direct rays of light from being visible from beyond the property on which the lights are located. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 6.

10-10 Figure 6:
Example of Festoon Lighting

   FLAG: A symbol or a crest of either a nation or an organization of nations, a state, a municipality or a fraternal, religious, civic organization, sports team, or corporation. The symbol or crest is usually displayed on fabric or flexible material that must be affixed to a pole that is freestanding or attached to another structure.

   FLASHING SIGN: Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign which exhibits changing natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever, not including message board signs.

   FREESTANDING SIGN: A sign completely self-supported by posts or other supports, independent of any building or other structure and anchored in or upon the ground. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 7.

10-10 Figure 7:
Example of Freestanding Monument Sign

   HIGHWAY IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A freestanding sign advertising the business on the premises intended to provide notice of such business to motorists on an adjacent interstate highway. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 8.

10-10 Figure 8:
Example of Highway Identification Sign

   ILLUMINATED SIGN (External): A sign illuminated by a source of light which is cast upon the surface or face of the sign to illuminate the sign by reflection. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 9.

   ILLUMINATED SIGN (Internal): A sign, all or part of which is made of incandescent or other types of lamps or a sign with painted, flush or raised letters lighted by an electric lamp or lamps attached thereto or a sign having a border of incandescent or fluorescent lamps attached to it reflecting light on it or a transparent sign whether lighted by electricity or other illuminant. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 10.

10-10 Figure 9:
Illuminated Sign (External)

10-10 Figure 10:
Illuminated Sign (Internal)

   INCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL: Any material which will not ignite at or below a temperature of one thousand two hundred degrees Fahrenheit (1,200°F) and will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature.

   INFORMATIONAL TRAFFIC SIGN: A sign directing and guiding automotive or pedestrian traffic which bears no advertising matter.

   INSTITUTIONAL SIGN: A sign identifying a public, charitable or religious institution which is located on the premises.

   LINEAR LIGHTING: A series of small light bulbs packaged in a long, narrow housing to create a strip of light which includes neon, fluorescent, rope-lighting, LED lighting, and low- voltage strip lighting.

   MEMORIAL SIGN: A commemorative sign or tablet cut into masonry or inlaid as a part of a building.

   MESSAGE BOARD: Signage designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged electronically, or manually without altering the face or surface of the sign. A message board sign is accessory to a development, identification, or business sign. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 11.

10-10 Figure 11:
Example of Sign with Message Board

   NAMEPLATE: A sign which displays only the name and/or address of the occupant and is non-illuminated.

   NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign which does not conform to the ordinances of the village.

   OBSOLETE SIGN: Any billboard or sign structure where the sign and/or sign structure do not provide any information (i.e., blank, illegible, or maintained in a manner inconsistent with the regulations of this chapter).

   OFF PREMISES SIGN: A sign which directs attention to a commercial use, business, commodity, service or activity not conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.

   ON PREMISES SIGN: A sign related solely to a use, business or profession conducted or to a principal commodity, service or entertainment sold, provided or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.

   PARKING SIGN: A sign which identifies a parking area for automobiles, trucks, motorcycles or any other motor vehicle.

   PENNANT: A series of small flags of triangular or other geometric design tied together by a rope or other means and used as an attention getting device.

   POLITICAL/CAMPAIGN SIGN: A sign or poster identifying or publicizing a candidate seeking public office or identifying or publicizing a public issue or advocating a position with respect to a public issue.

   PORTABLE SIGN: A type of temporary sign not designed to be permanently attached to a building or anchored to the ground; any sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, structure or the ground; a sign designed to be moved from place to place. These signs include, but are not limited to, signs attached to wood or metal frames designed to be self-supporting and moveable and paper, cardboard or canvas signs wrapped around supporting poles.

   PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign, other than a wall sign or shingle sign, affixed to any building or wall which leading edge extends beyond such building or wall but which face is perpendicular to said building.

   PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY: The land, or interest therein, acquired for or devoted to any public way for vehicular or pedestrian travel which has been laid out in pursuance of any municipal, township, county, state or federal law.

   PUBLIC SIGN: A sign or notice erected or which erection was required by a unit of government.

   RACEWAY: A portion of a sign structure designed to enclose electrical wires and provide a mounting surface for individual letters and/or graphics that constitute the message portion of the sign. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 12.

10-10 Figure 12:
Example of Raceway

   REAL ESTATE SIGN: A sign erected for purposes of identifying a parcel or building to be available for sale, rental or lease.

   RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN (Permanent): A sign designed to identify a residential, commercial or industrial subdivision or planned unit development which is located at the entrance to said development.

   ROOF SIGN: A sign erected, constructed or maintained, in whole or in part, upon or over the roof of a building or structure.

   ROOFLINE: Either the edge of the roof or top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette. Where a building has several levels, the roofline shall be the roof or parapet of that portion of the building where the sign is located.

   SHINGLE SIGN, BUILDING-MOUNTED: A sign suspended from and located entirely under a covered porch, walkway, awning or projecting from the face of a building. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 13.

   SHINGLE SIGN, POLE-MOUNTED: A small sign suspended from and located entirely under an arm attached to a wood or metal post. An example is shown in 10-10 Figure 14.

10-10 Figure 13:
Example of Shingle Sign (Building-Mounted)

10-10 Figure 14:
Example of Shingle Sign (Pole-Mounted)

   SIGN: Any device designed to inform or attract the attention of a person not on the premises on which the sign is located. "Signs" shall mean any surface, fabric, device or display which bears lettered, pictorial or sculptured matter, including forms shaped to resemble any human, animal or product, designed to convey information visually and which is exposed to public view. For purposes of this chapter, the term "sign" shall include all structural members. A sign shall be construed to be a display surface or device containing organized and related elements composed to form a single unit. In cases where matter is displayed in a random or unconnected manner without organized relationship of the components, each such component shall be considered to be a single sign. The term "sign" includes, but is not limited to, every type of sign listed in this section.

   SIGN STRUCTURE: A structure constructed for the primary purpose of displaying a sign.

   STRUCTURAL TRIM: Any molding, batten, capping, nailing strip, lattice or platform which is attached to a sign structure.

   TEMPORARY SIGN: A portable sign or any sign, banner, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, wood/plywood or other light materials, with or without a frame which may be freestanding or affixed to the wall of a building.

   VEHICLE SIGN: Any advertising or business sign attached to a motor vehicle.

   WALL SIGN: A sign or individual letters, symbols or combinations thereof painted, mounted or attached to the exterior of a building or structure in a plane parallel to that of the wall on which it is painted, mounted or attached.

   WINDOW SIGN: A sign or individual letters, symbols or combinations thereof placed inside or upon a window facing the outside and which is intended to be seen from the exterior. (Ord. 03-1161, 3-25-2003; amd. Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

It shall be unlawful to erect or maintain:

   A.   Any sign which is not included under the types of signs permitted in the district or the general regulations of this chapter.

   B.   Any sign which advertises or publicizes an activity not conducted on the premises upon which such sign is maintained, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.

   C.   Projecting signs.

   D.   Flashing signs.

   E.   Animated signs.

   F.   Pennants, streamers and other attention getting devices.

   G.   Any signs attached to any tree, fence or public utility pole other than warning signs issued by public utilities.

   H.   Festoon lighting, except when used to illuminate outdoor dining areas.

   I.   Flame as a source of light.

   J.   Portable signs, except as permitted via a temporary sign permit as required by this chapter.

   K.   Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public health or safety.

   L.   Billboards, as defined in this chapter.

   M.   Vehicle signs, when used exclusively for the purpose of advertising.

   N.   Roof signs.

   O.   Obsolete signs.

   P.   Any sign that draws attention to items or activities that are illegal under municipal, state, or federal laws or regulations.

   Q.   Any freestanding sign, other than a "pole mounted shingle sign" or "highway identification sign" as defined in this chapter that allows visibility through the area between the bottom of the message portion of the sign and the ground, and extending the full width of the message portion.

   R.   Any "wall sign" as defined in this chapter that is designed to allow the removal of the entire surface devoted to the message area and allow for its replacement en masse. This includes, but is not limited to, signs designed to accommodate a "face change", but excludes changeable copy signs, directory signs and signs mounted on raceways were permitted in this chapter.

   S.   Linear lighting intended to attract attention to a use. This does not include architectural lighting without exposed light bulbs when integrated into the design of a building, such as under a cornice. (Ord. 03-1161, 3-25-2003; amd. Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

The provisions and regulations of this chapter shall not apply to the following signs, nor shall the area of such signs be included in the area of signage permitted for any establishments:

   A.   Traffic or other municipal street graphics such as railroad crossing signs, legal notices and such temporary emergency signs as may be authorized by the village board.

   B.   Signs of public utility companies indicating danger or which serve as an aid to public safety or which show the location of underground facilities or of public telephones.

   C.   Directional, informational or public service signs, excluding public utilities, not exceeding five (5) square feet in area per sign face, erected for the convenience of the public such as signs identifying entrances, exits, parking areas, restrooms, public telephones, walkways and similar features or facilities.

   D.   Signs consisting of letters and/or numbers identifying the street address of the building located on the premises, when displayed on the building and not exceeding four (4) square feet in area.

   E.   Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed interior lobby or court of any building; said signs are to be designed and located to be viewed exclusively by patrons of such use or uses but not including those signs displayed as permanent or temporary window signs intended to be viewed from the outside of the building.

   F.   Seasonal decorations temporarily displayed in connection with local festivity approved by the village board or for a national holiday. Such decorations may not be used for advertising purposes and shall have a time limit on display of forty five (45) days.

   G.   "No Trespassing" signs or other such signs regulating the use of a property such as "No Hunting", "No Fishing", etc., of no more than two (2) square feet in area.

   H.   A single United States flag and a single corporate flag and/or any other single flag. Flags shall be displayed on vertical flagpoles, not exceeding the maximum height allowed for buildings in the zoning district, nor larger in square feet than the maximum height allowed. On federal and state holidays there shall be no maximum number or size of flags representing political subdivisions.

   I.   Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and the date of erection, and nameplate signs when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material not to exceed six (6) square feet in area.

   J.   Bulletin boards, not including message board signs, not over thirty two (32) square feet in area for a public, charitable or religious institution when same is located on the premises of such institution and located in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of motorists.

   K.   Public signs and other signs incidental thereto for identification, information or directional purposes erected, authorized, or required by governmental bodies, local civic organizations or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.

   L.   Informational signs such as "business hour" signs, "help wanted" signs and "open-closed" signs not to exceed one square foot in area and located within a street level window. (Ord. 03-1161, 3-25-2003; amd. Ord. 06-1373, 7-25-2006; Ord. 07-1412, 3-27-2007; Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

The sign zone map is attached as 10-10 Figure 15 and made part of this chapter. It is the intent of this section to classify all properties within the corporate limits of the village into the appropriate sign zone. The sign zone map classifies all properties within the corporate limits of the village as being within "sign zone A" or "sign zone B". The "sign zone" functions as an overlay to the zoning district map.

Sign zone A is intended to recognize non-residentially zoned properties that, by virtue of their proximity to an interstate highway, can attract the attention of motorists traveling on the adjacent interstate highway. To this end, "highway identification signs" as defined in this chapter are additional permitted signs allowed on properties within specified zoning districts when located in sign zone A, along with all other permitted signs within the specified zoning district.

Whenever any territory is annexed to the village and is subsequently reclassified to a nonresidential zoning district, the appropriate "sign zone" shall be determined for the territory.

10-10 Figure 15:
Sign Zone Map

(Ord. 03-1161, 3-25-2003; amd. Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

The following signs shall be permitted in the Village upon issuance of a sign permit in accordance with Title 8 and Sec. 10-10-11B of this chapter, unless otherwise exempted.

   A.   Exempted signs.

   B.   Table Of Permitted Signage: Signage that is permitted by zoning district is depicted in 10-10 Table 1. The following standards apply to all signage listed herein.

      1.   All freestanding and pole mounted sign heights shall be as measured from the ground to the top of the sign structure in linear feet.

      2.   No sign shall project into, over or otherwise encroach upon a public right-of-way. No freestanding sign shall be erected such that its hemisphere, described by a radius equal to the vertical height of the freestanding sign with the vertical centerline of the freestanding sign located at the center of the hemisphere, intersects with any utility lines, electrical conductors or service drops.

      3.   All references to building sizes, are based on gross indoor floor area.

      4.   All references to sign height and area are maximums.

      5.   All references to setbacks are minimums as measured from the more restrictive of the lot line.

 

   C.   Permanent identification signs.

      1.   Wall signs.

         a.   Location: Wall signs shall be permitted only over or on the portion of the building frontage occupied by the use identified by the wall sign, or over the entrance if not on the building frontage. No wall sign shall cover, wholly or partially, any wall opening nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is affixed.

         b.   Design: All wall signs in a multiple-tenant/multiple storefront development shall be of common vertical height and common architecture; however, no sign shall be designed contrary to the regulations of this chapter.

      2.   Freestanding signs except highway identification signs.

         a.   Materials: Freestanding signs shall include a base constructed of brick, stone, or masonry materials and be matched in type and color to these materials used on the buildings on the premises if such materials are present. Internally illuminated sign panels shall be constructed with opaque backgrounds and routed out copy or on a solid background with individual letters.

         b.   Landscaping: A landscaped area consisting of trees, shrubs and ground covers shall be provided around the base of the sign. The landscape area must contain at least one (1) plant unit, as identified in Section 10-14-3J of this code, per four (4) square feet of signage.

         c.   Message Boards: Manual and digital message boards are allowed subject to the following regulations:

            (1)   The message board element is calculated as part of the freestanding sign's total area and is subject to the maximum size restrictions. Only one message board is allowed on a sign face.

            (2)   A message board sign is not an off-premises sign and cannot be used to advertise off-site businesses.

            (3)   The images and messages displayed on electronic message boards must have a minimum dwell time of at least ten (10) seconds and may not contain any movement, animation, audio, video, or other special effects. The images and messages displayed must be complete in and of themselves within the required dwell time.

            (4)   The transition or change from one message to another on an electronic message board must occur in one second or less and involve no animation or special effects.

            (5)   Electronic message boards must be equipped with a default mechanism that freezes the display in one position or presents a static or blank display if a malfunction occurs as well as a manual shut-off.

         (6)   Illuminated and electronic message boards may not have a brightness of such intensity or brilliance that they impair the vision or endanger the safety and welfare of any pedestrian, cyclist or person operating a motor vehicle.

         (7)   Electronic message boards must be equipped with a light detector/photocell that automatically adjusts the display's brightness according to natural ambient light conditions.

         (8)   The maximum brightness level of an electronic message board may not exceed five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours or two hundred fifty (250) nits between thirty (30) minutes after sunset and thirty (30) minutes before sunrise, as those times are determined by the National Weather Service (Actual Time). Brightness must be measured from the brightest element of the sign's face. Before the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant must provide written clarification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory preset so that it will not exceed five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meter).

         (9)   For the purpose of verifying compliance with maximum brightness level requirements, the applicant shall provide a reading of brightness levels of the digital message board set to run full white copy with a luminance meter positioned at a location perpendicular to the sign face center. When taking the luminance reading, the sign face must be the only subject visible in the viewfinder.

         (10)   Regulations governing electronic message boards are subject to ongoing monitoring and future modification in the exercise of the Village's police powers. No vested right is ever created in an existing digital message board. If regulations governing operational aspects of digital message boards (i.e. dwell time, transitions, illumination/brightness, etc.) are modified by the Village, sign owners and operators are required to bring digital message boards into compliance with all applicable regulations.

      3.   Shingle Signs: Shingle signs may be placed perpendicular or parallel to the street.

         a.   Building-mounted shingle signs shall be suspended from a roof overhang, covered walkway, covered porch or open lattice walkway. No part of the suspended sign shall extend beyond the edge of the overhang. Signs placed parallel to the street may be attached to the fascia; provided, no part of the signs extend above or below the fascia. A minimum clearance of eight feet (8') shall be maintained between the bottom of the fascia and the nearest grade or sidewalk.

         b.   Pole mounted shingle signs may not obstruct the path of pedestrian or vehicular circulation.

      4.   Permanent window signs.

         a.   Area: Calculations of area shall be based on the total tenant frontage window area. The area shall be determined by drawing an imaginary square or rectangular envelope so as to completely enclose each entire symbol, word, phrase, title, number or name appearing on the sign and by computing the sum of all such envelopes.

         b.   Items Of Information: Items of information shall be affixed to the window via paint, permanent decals or any other means acceptable to the Village.

         c.   Location: Window signs shall be limited to placement within the street level windows, location of the business if the business is located on an upper floor, or as approved through the site plan review process.

      5.   Highway Identification Signs When Located In Sign Zone A: Internally illuminated sign panels shall be constructed with opaque backgrounds and routed out copy or on a solid background with individual letters.

   D.   Promotional and advertising signs.

      1.   Temporary window signs.

         a.   Items Of Information: Items shall be affixed to the window in a means acceptable to the Village, comprised of materials in keeping with the architecture of the building and character of the area, and in good condition as determined by the zoning officer.

         b.   Location: Temporary window signs shall be limited to placement within the street level windows, location of the business if the business is located on an upper floor, or as approved through the site plan review process.

         c.   Permit Exemption: Temporary window signs shall be exempt from acquiring a temporary sign permit.

      2.   Temporary signs.

         a.   Permit Required: A permit is required prior to the installation of any temporary sign. The sign must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of permit expiration.

         b.   Location: All signs shall be located on the lot/property on which the business is located.

         c.   No signs may be located within the public right of way or in such a manner as to present a hazard to vehicle or pedestrian traffic entering or leaving the site. No sign may be located in the vision triangle. If it is deemed to create a hazard, the owner shall remove same upon notice from the zoning officer or chief of police, or his or her designee, immediately.

         d.   Material: Signs, banners and flags shall be comprised of materials in keeping with the architecture of the building and character of the area, and in good condition as determined by the zoning officer.

   E.   Real estate signs.

      1.   Location: Real estate signs shall be located upon private property.

      2.   Illumination: Real estate signs shall not be illuminated. (Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

   A.   Model Home Areas: In a model home area, signs may be displayed only on model home sites.

      1.   Area: The total footage limitation per model home shall not exceed forty eight (48) square feet.

      2.   Items Of Information: No limitations on items of information.

      3.   Number: No more than three (3) signs shall be displayed on a model home site.

      4.   Height: Shall not exceed nine feet (9') including ornamentation.

      5.   Ornamental Flags: Ornamental flags are not to exceed three (3) in number and not to exceed nine feet (9') in height at each model home location.

   B.   Freestanding Subdivision Identification And Entry Signs:

      1.   Conditions: The erection of subdivision identification signs and/or monuments together with their supporting structures, hereinafter collectively referred to as "structure(s)", shall be permitted in all subdivisions in all zoning districts, subject to the following terms and conditions:

         a.   The structure(s) is required to be located in an easement which specifically, or by reference to a recorded set of declarations, covenants, and restrictions, provides for the maintenance of the structure and any surrounding landscape areas.

         b.   The structure(s) may contain a single sided message area containing not more than twenty (20) square feet, the message area shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof, which will encompass the entire message. The message area may contain the subdivision name and/or logo only and shall contain no commercial advertisement.

         c.   The structure(s) shall be not more than six feet (6') in height as measured from the final grade for the structure's lot and shall contain no more than one hundred (100) square feet as determined by measuring the side of the structure fronting on a public street.

         d.   The structure(s) shall not be located within the vision triangle.

         e.   No structure is permitted in a public right of way.

         f.   Signs and sign structures located along arterial and collector roadways including Brook Forest Avenue, Cottage Street, Black Road, Vertin Boulevard, River Road, Jefferson Street, Seil Road, and Mound Road may only be constructed of a brick, stone or other masonry material. Lettering, ornaments or other graphics on the structure must be stone, wrought iron or anodized aluminum.

In addition to the materials listed above, wood-carved and sandblasted wood signs may be installed along other Village roadways.

      g.   Structure(s) shall only be permitted on lots which have a minimum of one hundred foot (100') frontages measured at the building setback line.

         h.   The structure(s) must have a minimum five foot (5') landscape area around its base. The landscape area must contain at least one (1) plant unit, as identified in Section 10-14-3J of this code, per four (4) square feet of signage.

         i.   An application for an entry sign permit shall be filed with the zoning officer on such a form as may, from time to time, be required. Such application shall minimally include the following:

            (1)   The applicant's name.

            (2)   A landscape plan.

            (3)   A drawing of the proposed sign, including any proposed lettering and description of proposed construction material.

            (4)   A site plan depicting the proposed sign location.

         j.   The application shall be accompanied by a one hundred dollar ($100.00) application fee for each structure. If the application is allowed by the Village Board and a building permit is therefore authorized, a building permit fee as indicated in Sec. 8-1A-9 of this code shall be paid by the applicant prior to the issuance of a building permit.

         k.   No portion of a structure shall be permitted within twenty feet (20') of any driveway.

      2.   Planning And Zoning Commission Review; Village Board Approval: The application required herein shall be reviewed by the Village Planning and Zoning Commission who shall make a recommendation to the Village Board as to whether any such application should be granted or denied. The Village Board shall grant or deny the sign application. An application for a subdivision identification and entry sign may be considered as part of a planned unit development or subdivision approval provided the drawings and information required above are made part of the PUD/subdivision plans. In such case, separate review of the sign by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Board is not required.

      3.   Sign Maintenance: The structure(s) shall be maintained by a homeowners' association consisting of the property owners in the subdivision of which the structure(s) is/are a part.

      4.   Declaration Of Covenants/Easements:

         a.   There shall be prepared, enacted and recorded a declaration of covenants ("declaration") to run with the land of the subdivision of which the easement is a part, which declaration shall, minimally:

            (1)   Provide for the organization of a homeowners' association which shall assess sufficient dues to provide for maintenance of the easement and structure.

            (2)   Provide for the continued maintenance of the easement and structure.

         b.   The declaration and/or grant of easement shall provide that the Village has the right, but not the obligation, to enter upon the easement from an adjoining public street and demolish the structure if in the sole determination of the Village the structure is not being properly maintained.

   C.   On Site Directionals:

      1.   Number And Area: One per turning corner from entrances to model home area, not to exceed six (6) square feet.

      2.   Items Of Information: Items of information shall be limited to name of subdivision or builder and logo, arrows and/or words of direction and telephone number.

      3.   Height: The height of such a sign shall not exceed nine feet (9') including ornamentation.

   D.   On Site Subdivision Advertisements:

      1.   Area: Sign(s) not to exceed ninety six (96) square feet.

      2.   Number: One sign only, allowed per public street frontage of the subdivision.

      3.   Height: Shall not exceed twelve feet (12') from grade to the top of the sign.

      4.   Duration: On site subdivision advertising signs shall be removed when seventy five percent (75%) of the lots within the subdivision have commenced building construction or five (5) years, whichever shall come sooner.

   E.   Off Site Advertisements:

      1.   Number And Area: Two (2) signs allowed within the corporate limits of the Village with a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) square feet per sign. Setback shall be fifty feet (50') minimum from edge of pavement or as directed by the zoning officer.

      2.   Items Of Information: No limitation on items of information.

      3.   Height: Shall not exceed fourteen feet (14') including ornamentation.

   F.   Off Site Directionals: Off site directional signs are prohibited except that directional information may be contained in directional signs permitted by subsection 10-10-4L of this chapter. (Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021; Ord. 22-2043, 5-24-2022)

Industrial park identification signs shall be subject to the following regulations:

   A.   Number: Each industrial park may have one identification sign for each public street frontage.

   B.   Items Of Information: The freestanding or ground mounted sign shall show the name of the industrial park and may incorporate multi-tenant signage.

   C.   Location: The sign shall be located near the entrance into the industrial park and shall have a minimum ten foot (10') setback from a lot line. When the sign is located at the intersection of two (2) streets, it shall not be located within the vision triangle.

   D.   Area: A maximum of eighty (80) square feet per sign face.

   E.   Height: The sign shall have a maximum height of twenty feet (20').

   F.   Sign Face: The industrial park identification sign shall be singularly predominant, constituting a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the total sign face. No single-tenant sign shall exceed twenty percent (20%) of the area of the industrial park identification sign. All tenant signs shall incorporate the identical font design, size and color.

   G.   Materials: Shall include a base constructed of brick, stone, or masonry materials and be matched in type and color to these materials used on the buildings on the premises if such materials are present. Internally illuminated sign panels shall be constructed with opaque backgrounds and routed out copy or on a solid background with individual letters.

   H.   Landscaping: A five foot (5') landscaped area consisting of trees, shrubs and ground covers shall be provided around the base of the sign. The landscape area must contain at least one (1) plant unit, as identified in Section 10-14-3J, per four (4) square feet of signage. (Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

Churches, schools and other public/quasi-public institutions shall be subject to the following regulations:

   A.   Freestanding sign.

      1.   Location: No sign shall project into, over or otherwise encroach upon a public right of way. No sign shall be erected such that its hemisphere, described by a radius equal to the vertical height of the freestanding sign with the vertical centerline of the freestanding sign located at the center of the hemisphere, intersects with any utility lines, electrical conductors or service drops. Freestanding signs shall be located not less than ten feet (10') from a lot line.

      2.   Area: The area, in square feet per sign face, shall not exceed forty eight (48) square feet.

      3.   Height: The top of the sign shall be no higher than ten feet (10').

      4.   Number: One freestanding sign per site.

      5.   Materials: Shall include a base constructed of brick, stone, or masonry materials and be matched in type and color to these materials used on the buildings on the premises if such materials are present.

      6.   Landscaping: A five foot (5') landscaped area consisting of trees, shrubs and ground covers shall be provided around the base of the sign. The landscape area must contain at least one (1) plant unit, as identified in Section 10-14-3J, per four (4) square feet of signage.

   B.   Wall signs.

      1.   Location: No wall sign shall project over, into or otherwise encroach upon a public right of way. No wall sign shall cover, wholly or partially, any wall opening nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is affixed.

      2.   Area: Shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.

      3.   Number: One wall sign per site. (Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

   A.   Design And Construction: Signs shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with the codes adopted by title 8, chapter 1 of this code.

   B.   Electrical Requirements:

      1.   General Requirements: The electrical components, connections and installations of all signs shall conform to the provisions of the current adopted village electrical code referenced in title 8, chapter 1 of this code. Electric signs shall be constructed of incombustible material. Electric signs shall be raintight; except, that service holes fitted with waterproof covers shall be provided to each compartment of such signs. All electric signs hereafter installed or erected in the village shall carry the label of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

      2.   Illuminated Signs:

         a.   No electrical equipment or electrical apparatus of any kind which causes interference with radio or television reception shall be used in the operation of illuminated signs.

         b.   All sources of illumination shall be kept in good working order.

         c.   In no case shall the lighting intensity of any sign exceed the prevailing illuminating engineering standards (IES).

   C.   Wind Pressure And Load Requirements: All signs shall be designed to withstand a wind pressure as required in the building code of the village and/or other applicable village ordinances and codes.

   D.   Sign Structure And Support Requirements:

      1.   All signs shall be designed so that all framework for the lateral support of the sign shall be contained within the sign's body or within the structure of the building to which the sign is attached so as not to be visible to the public. Raceway supports shall only be permitted on multiple-tenant buildings.

      2.   Exposed guywires, chains or other similar connections attached to the ground posing a threat to pedestrian safety are not permitted to serve as supports for a sign.

      3.   If the supports or anchors of a sign are not galvanized or constructed of a noncombustible, corrosive resistant material, they shall be painted as necessary to prevent corrosion and peeling.

   E.   Sign Face: No sign or sign structure shall have any nails, tacks, wires or sharp edges protruding from it. Exposed neon tubing shall be prohibited on all signs located on an exterior wall surface.

   F.   Miscellaneous Advertising Objects: No person shall place on or suspend from any building or structure any goods, wares, merchandise or other advertising objects other than a sign, as defined within these provisions.

   G.   Glass Requirements: Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be heavy safety glass and shall be in compliance with all applicable village codes and ordinances.

   H.   Location:

      1.   No sign shall cover, wholly or partially, any opening nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached. No sign shall project into or otherwise encroach upon a public right of way.

      2.   No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening intended as a means of egress.

      3.   No sign shall be erected which interferes with any opening required for ventilation.

      4.   Signs shall maintain all clearances from electrical conductors in accordance with all applicable village codes and ordinances, except where specified within this chapter.

      5.   Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity, vehicles or communications equipment or lines. Furthermore, placement shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage of surface or underground water.

   I.   Lettering: All letters, figures, characters or representations in cutout or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to or superimposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built into or attached to the sign.

   J.   Landscape Plan:

      1.   All ground mounted and freestanding signs shall incorporate a landscape plan at time of application.

      2.   The landscape plan shall be reviewed and approved by the zoning officer.

      3.   The landscape plan shall incorporate plants and shrubs in proportion to the sign structure. The intent is to enhance the aesthetic integration of the signage with the environment. Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner. (Ord. 03-1161, 3-25-2003; amd. Ord. 14-1748, 10-28-2014; Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)

   A.   Enforcement Official: The primary enforcement official for the village shall be the zoning officer.

   B.   Permit Requirements:

      1.   Building Permit And Compliance Required: No person shall erect, alter, repair or relocate any sign without first obtaining a building permit for such work from the zoning officer of the village. No permit shall be issued until the zoning officer determines that such work is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter and applicable village building codes.

      2.   Application For Permit: Every application for sign permit shall be accompanied by plans, drawn to scale, and including:

         a.   The name, address and telephone number of the owner or persons entitled to possession of the sign and of the sign contractor.

         b.   The location, by street address, of the proposed sign structure.

         c.   The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions of the wall surface to which it is to be attached.

         d.   The distance the sign is set back from the roadway, building setback, building/store frontage and building height to the eaves line.

         e.   The dimensions of the sign's supporting members.

         f.   A color rendering of the proposed sign.

         g.   The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of the building in front of which or above which it is to be erected.

         h.   The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot upon which it is to be situated.

         i.   When the sign is proposed to be attached to an existing building, a current photograph of the face of the building to which the sign is to be attached.

         j.   If the proposed sign is to be illuminated in any manner, the proposed method of illumination and the amount of light generated by foot-candles is to be submitted.

      3.   Permit And Inspection Fees: Consult the current village fee schedule.

      4.   Issuance Of Permit; Withdrawal And Renewal: It shall be the duty of the zoning officer, upon receipt of an application, to examine such plans and other data, including the premises upon which the sign is proposed. If said application and supporting data are determined to be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and applicable building codes, a permit shall be issued. If a permit is not obtained within ninety (90) days after the applicant has been notified that the plans are approved, the zoning officer shall assume that the application is withdrawn and may destroy the plans and supporting documentation. Renewed action on said plans shall require a new set of plans and new fees.

      5.   Expiration Of Permit: If the work authorized by a sign permit has not been completed within six (6) months after the date of initiation of construction, said permit shall become null and void, and there shall be no refund of any fee required by this section.

   C.   Maintenance And Removal: In any instance of conflict between the adopted village building codes and this chapter, the more restrictive shall apply. All commercial signs shall be removed from the premises and necessary repairs made to the building and/or sign structures within thirty (30) calendar days of a business closing or vacating the premises.

   D.   Existing Signs: All existing signs under the jurisdiction of this chapter rendered nonconforming by adoption of this chapter shall be permitted to remain in use, subject to the following provisions:

      1.   Any sign not in conformance with the allowable area (square feet) or allowable height (linear feet) provisions of this chapter by an amount less than twenty percent (20%) in excess of the allowable area or allowable height shall be permitted to remain in use throughout the useful life of the sign.

      2.   Any sign not in conformance with the allowable area or allowable height provisions of this chapter by an amount more than or equal to twenty percent (20%) in excess of the allowable area or allowable height or is nonconforming with any other provision of this chapter must be brought into conformance by modification, replacement or removal of the nonconforming sign when:

         a.   More than fifty percent (50%) of the nonconforming sign must be replaced due to physical deterioration or damage; or

         b.   The business to which the sign pertains is sold, relocated or has ceased operation for a period of six (6) months. (Ord. 03-1161, 3-25-2003; amd. Ord. 14-1748, 10-28-2014; Ord. 21-2011, 5-25-2021)